Etsy Seller Interview with Colleen of BoldChicAccessories

How BoldChicAccessories got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

Hi! I’m Colleen, the maker behind Bold Chic Accessories. I’ve always had a love for gorgeous office supplies and planning, so combining the two just felt natural. I believe planning should be fun and stylish, and I try to bring that vibe into every item I create.

My creative journey actually started back in 2011 when I was making hair bows for my daughters. That’s when I discovered embroidered felties — little stitched felt designs that people used for bow centers and clips. I was instantly hooked and bought my first embroidery machine. That’s where it all began.

Over time, my love for embroidery grew, and I learned how to make all kinds of in-the-hoop projects — things like keyfobs, pen holders, badge reels, and planner clips. Now I create unique accessories using carefully chosen colors, textures, and materials sourced from all over. I’m really passionate about quality and details, so everything is made by me, one piece at a time, with a lot of care.

My goal is to create bold, beautiful accessories that brighten your day and make your planning or work space feel a little more fun and personalized.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

I don’t have just one favorite, but these best-selling items are definitely customer favorites and always get a lot of love.

This is hands-down one of my top sellers! Customers love being able to personalize it, and the holographic sparkle really stands out in any planner setup. It’s cute, functional, and makes such a fun gift.

This one’s perfect for marking your spot in style. I think it does well because it’s practical and pretty — people love a little glam in their planning routine.  

These are such a customer favorite! They’re super handy for keeping pens right where you need them and come in fun, bright colors. They’re also lightweight, which makes them ideal for mailing or gifting.   

These are just plain fun — colorful, unique, and a hit with pen lovers! They help keep pens protected while looking cute on your desk or in a bag. 

I think these items do well because they’re not just functional — they also let customers express their personal style. I always put care into choosing color combos and materials that feel special but still practical for everyday use.

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale, and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

I listed my first item in November 2016 and got my very first sale the following month, which felt so exciting! Since then, I’ve been growing steadily with a lot of support from repeat customers. I really value the community that’s built around my shop.

These days, I attract customers through a mix of organic Etsy search, returning buyers, and social media. I share product videos, behind-the-scenes peeks, and shop updates mostly on Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic. I try to focus on showing the value and details of my handmade items in a way that makes people feel excited to treat themselves or find the perfect gift.

Managing BoldChicAccessories

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

It’s just me running Bold Chic Accessories — I handle everything from designing and stitching to listing, packaging, and shipping each order. It’s a lot, but I really enjoy the creative freedom and being hands-on in every part of the process.

To help manage it all, I use a few tools that keep me organized and inspired. Canva is my go-to for creating marketing graphics and social posts, and Alura has helped me with Etsy SEO and listing optimization. I also use ChatGPT regularly — it’s been a huge help for writing product descriptions, brainstorming content, and staying focused when I’m feeling stuck or low on creative energy (like today!).

For shipping and fulfillment, I use Etsy’s built-in shipping system. It’s super convenient for purchasing labels and tracking orders. I hand-package each order with care, and most ready-to-ship items go out within 1–3 business days. I try to make every package feel like happy mail!

The future of BoldChicAccessories

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

My biggest goal is to grow Bold Chic Accessories from a side hustle into a consistent, sustainable income that supports my family and allows me to focus on doing what I love full time. I’ve been building this shop since 2016, and I’m proud of how far it’s come — but I know there’s still so much more potential.

In the near future, I’d love to expand my product line even more, especially with new embroidered items like badge reels and seasonal accessories. I also want to improve my social media presence and connect with more people who love cute, functional accessories that brighten up everyday life.

Long term, I’m focused on scaling in a way that still feels personal and handmade. I want every customer to feel like they’re getting something thoughtful and special, whether it’s their first order or their tenth.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

Start before you feel ready — and don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Etsy is a learning experience, and the best way to grow is by getting started and figuring things out along the way.

Take time to make your listings clear and appealing — good photos and detailed descriptions really do make a difference. But don’t overthink every little thing; just get your products out there and let them evolve as you go.

Also, don’t get discouraged if things start slow. My first sale didn’t happen right away, but I kept going. Consistency and patience matter just as much as creativity. Use tools like Etsy stats, Alura, or even ChatGPT to help you figure out what’s working and where you can improve.

And lastly, connect with your customers. Be kind, be responsive, and remember that the personal touches are what make small shops like ours so special.

Some sellers really get inspired by hearing numbers. Feel free to share these if you like.

Question: How much is your monthly revenue?
Answer: My average since opening is around $580/month.. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

Question: What is your average profit margin?
Answer: 60%

Question: What is your shop’s conversion rate?
Answer:3.5%